Lightning owner Jeff Vinik brings investment firm to downtown Tampa

A Boston-based hedge fund and investment firm founded and controlled by Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik will relocate to downtown Tampa.

The Vinik Asset Management group was expected to make the move and now it has signed a long-term lease to take the 31st floor of the SunTrust Financial Centre building at 401 East Jackson St. The firm, which regulatory filings indicate has about $7.6 billion in assets under management, is expected to begin operating out of the new space this summer with about 25 employees.

"I am excited to confirm that we are moving the headquarters for Vinik Asset Management to downtown Tampa," Vinik said. "As our family looks to deepen its roots in this community, I believe establishing the company's home base here is a natural step."

Vinik Asset Management's arrival in Tampa follows the Vinik family purchasing two Palma Ceia properties that include a $6 million, 8,300-square-foot home built by former New Port Tampa Bay developer Ed Oelschlaeger. An adjacent property was bought for $3.2 million.

An group led by Vinik is also a leading bidder for the Channelside shopping complex.